Abstract

Non-phosphine-containing cyclopalladated N-heterocycles possessing either
sp2 C–Pd(II) or
sp3 C–Pd(II) bonds and simple Pd(II)
salts are precursors of Pd(0) nanoparticles whose initial
morphology is dependent on the nature of the precursor. Addition
of polyvinylpyrrolidone (pvp) dramatically increases catalyst
lifetime. Nanoparticle generation can be achieved at ambient
temperature in the presence of carbon monoxide by a process
akin to the water–gas shift reaction. Allene also lowers the
temperature required for nanoparticle generation. 3-Component
catalytic cascades employing one or both of these substrates
provide access to a variety of 5- and 6-membered
N-heterocycles including isoindolones, N-aminoisoindolones, phthalazones,
dihydroisoquinolines, and isoquinolones.